Arizona has not had back to back covers since september 9th and 16th this year that more than 3 months ago. They will not beat two divisional teams in a row and this is the game chicago needs to take and prove to critics they deserve to be in the playoffs.

At first glance, I really wanted to have nothing to do with this game. The Cardinals are just so abysmal on the offensive side of the ball. Its hard to back a team that has problems scoring, and I'm not crazy about the chances of them scoring on the Bears defense. To tell you the truth though, I'm not crazy about the Bears putting up points either.

After further consideration, I am really warming up to the idea of taking Arizona or the under. The Bears have been largely ineffective running the ball. In fact, they haven't had a 100-yd rusher since week 9 against the Titans. Not to mention their offense hasn't eclipsed 17 points in the last 3 weeks. The Bears are heavily reliant on their defense to create turnovers and give Cutler a short field because the Bears just don't have a good enough offense to sustain long drives on your average defense. Add to the fact that the Cardinals have a solid front-7 in Darnell Docket, Calais Campbell, and Darrel Washington up the middle, and you could see the Bears once again struggling to run the ball. Maybe they should try giving Michael Bush some more carries because Forte isn't really scaring anyone.

Its also no secret that the Bears' passing game is way too reliant on Brandon Marshall. In fact, in last weeks loss to Green Bay, not one other wide receiver had a reception other than Marshall. I think this plays to the Cardinals strength because they have Patrick Pederson, who is playing at a very high level, and will probably have Adrian Wilson or Kerry Rhodes over the top to pick off any errand Cutler throws.

I think 5.5 points is just too much given the way the Bears have been playing, and the only way the cover this is if their special teams or defensive bails them out with some scoring (which we all know is possible against Arizona).

My play is Arizonaand would like the under a little more if it wasn't so damn low!!!

Is this a repeat of last week? Bears have pretty much the same offense as the Lions - one really good WR, sketchy "gunslinger" QB, sub-par running game, and a suspect O-Line. Throw in the "Paper Tiger" defenses both teams have, and on paper they're almost identical.

Cards were a 5.5 home underdog last week too - hmmmm, now I forget, how'd that game end up?

Is this a repeat of last week? Bears have pretty much the same offense as the Lions - one really good WR, sketchy "gunslinger" QB, sub-par running game, and a suspect O-Line. Throw in the "Paper Tiger" defenses both teams have, and on paper they're almost identical.

Cards were a 5.5 home underdog last week too - hmmmm, now I forget, how'd that game end up?

Cards +5.5 - - again

Except the Bears have a better defense that can force turnovers & their 8-6 while the Lions are 4-10. Lions offense is MUCH better than the Bears!! Lions have the #2 offense & the Bears are 29th. The problem with the Lions is although they move the ball they can't score as they should because of turnovers & redzone offense. The Cards have the worst offense in the NFL & commit quite a few turnovers. I expect the Bears D to force tons of turnovers & put their offense in good field position all game long. Bears -5.5 with an easy cover!

Merry Christmas from a team that normally at home coming off a su home win. Arizona pulls off a surprise ats win against a desperate Bears squad. Bears are 8-1 ats last 9 in games before playing the Lions.

At first glance, I really wanted to have nothing to do with this game. The Cardinals are just so abysmal on the offensive side of the ball. Its hard to back a team that has problems scoring, and I'm not crazy about the chances of them scoring on the Bears defense. To tell you the truth though, I'm not crazy about the Bears putting up points either.

After further consideration, I am really warming up to the idea of taking Arizona or the under. The Bears have been largely ineffective running the ball. In fact, they haven't had a 100-yd rusher since week 9 against the Titans. Not to mention their offense hasn't eclipsed 17 points in the last 3 weeks. The Bears are heavily reliant on their defense to create turnovers and give Cutler a short field because the Bears just don't have a good enough offense to sustain long drives on your average defense. Add to the fact that the Cardinals have a solid front-7 in Darnell Docket, Calais Campbell, and Darrel Washington up the middle, and you could see the Bears once again struggling to run the ball. Maybe they should try giving Michael Bush some more carries because Forte isn't really scaring anyone.

Its also no secret that the Bears' passing game is way too reliant on Brandon Marshall. In fact, in last weeks loss to Green Bay, not one other wide receiver had a reception other than Marshall. I think this plays to the Cardinals strength because they have Patrick Pederson, who is playing at a very high level, and will probably have Adrian Wilson or Kerry Rhodes over the top to pick off any errand Cutler throws.

I think 5.5 points is just too much given the way the Bears have been playing, and the only way the cover this is if their special teams or defensive bails them out with some scoring (which we all know is possible against Arizona).

My play is Arizonaand would like the under a little more if it wasn't so damn low!!!

Merry Xmas fellas!

Nice write up as usual Sammy........

I agree, I think the emotional outpore by Marshall during the press conference after Cutler and the Bears meltown last week will be more of a distraction rather than motivation. I can't put any stock into Chicago for the rest of the season.

One would guestimate from the records of both clubs top-5 defenses coupled with worst, last-5 offenses that this match is a dead-under.

Spoiling the general publics' aforementioned logic, wagers, along with many a multi-team parlay, the Special Teams with take-aways for field goals and a couple pick-sixes will be the excuses used to explain this game just going Over the posted total's hook.

The TV market in Chicago for next week adds more total cash, interest and publicity when the Bears win this one, so they'll squeak by; however in Week 16 they can't beat anybody by more than 7, so I cannot see them winning by the 7.5 point spread this game's climbed up to. Thus, if I bet on anything these two 'Week-4 Bowl teams," I'd have to go with Chgo S.U. and Over.

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